The New Year is traditionally a time for reflection and promises - reflecting on what went right and wrong during the past 12-months, while promising to do things that change your outcome for the year ahead.
For those of us that share a passion for creating a better planet for all our tomorrows, it’s a great opportunity to take stock of some sustainability goals for 2024.
Achieving your new year resolutions - as with any resolutions - is challenging. It requires determination, conviction, and sometimes simply remembering what you said you’d do, and having the time to do it.
So with that in mind, our Switch2Zero New Years Resolution Ideas are aimed at being realistic, achievable, and yet still able to create a huge amount of long-term impact. Plus, because many of us choose resolutions that give you results - like losing weight or cutting back on alcohol - we’ve gone for tips that save you money. Results driven ideas that help you save your pounds, dollars or euros, at a time when many of us need it most.
And while we normally just offer up five top tips, for the resolutions we’ve given you a few more - so you can pick and choose those that will most likely work for you.
See what you think, and if you have any other, or better ideas - please let us know so we can share them too!
Some NY Resolution ideas to get you thinking:
Embark on a reusable revolution
Ditch single-use items like plastic water bottles, coffee cups, and grocery bags. Invest in reusable alternatives that not only reduce waste but also save you money in the long run. A reusable water bottle can save you dozens of pounds in bottled water purchases. A reusable coffee mug often helps you get cheaper store-bought coffee, and reusable shopping bags eliminate the need to purchase disposable ones.
Tip Booster: keep your reusable bags in the car so they are always ready for you; and leave yourself a note in a prominent place in your kitchen to take your reusable bottles / coffee cups with you. Often, we end up reverting to the single-use plastic option simply because we forget about the reusable one!
Reduce energy consumption
Turn off lights and electronics when not in use, unplug chargers when not charging, and use energy-efficient appliances. These simple steps can significantly lower your energy bills, saving you money and reducing your environmental impact. Consider switching to energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances for even more savings.
Tip Booster: Some areas of the house tend to have more electrical equipment being used than others - think around the TV or kitchen. Often these appliances etc are run from trailer / multiple socket plugs. Consider using a time switch on these trailers - if you know you go to bed at 11pm and there’s no need for any of these devices to run after that, you can set the time to go off - automatically turning off all those little energy-draining devices!
Embrace the power of thrifting
Instead of purchasing new clothes, furniture, or household items, explore thrift / second hand stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces. You'll find unique, pre-loved items that can save you a significant amount of money while also reducing the demand for new products and their associated environmental impact. A little clean or spruce up, and you get ‘vintage’ things that add character to your home or wardrobe.
Tip Booster: Treat yourself to encourage this - for every five things you sell for reuse, allow yourself to buy something you want that is preloved - it’ll help reduce what you dispose of, save the environmental cost of unnecessary manufacture, and give you a reason to become a recycling legend!
Cook at home more often
Eating out regularly - whether a bought sandwich or a restaurant meal - can be a budget drain and contributes to food waste. Cooking more meals at home gives you more control over your ingredients, reduces food waste, and allows you to save money. Plan your meals, batch cook to save time, and utilise leftover ingredients creatively.
Tip Booster: Did you know that the average UK worker who brings their lunch to work saves around £1,300 a year! So as well as eating healthier, more balanced, less processed foods, you could save enough in one year for a family holiday - and save the planet at the same time! Think of all the plastic wrapping you won’t be responsible for. Just plan ahead of time - and get creative in the kitchen.
DIY projects for fun and savings
When something breaks, it’s all too easy to simply throw it out and get a new replacement. Sometimes, obviously, you have to. But a lot of what we use in our homes can have a longer shelf-life if we just take time to repair it. DIY repair of clothing, furniture, or even appliances is definitely achievable, and if you can’t do it yourself, before you junk it - see if there’s a local tradesperson who could help you fix it - you’ll be supporting a more sustainable environment, and local community, if you do.
Tip Booster: A study by the UK's Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) found that the average UK household spends £6 billion per year on clothing, of which £2 billion is spent on replacing items that could have been repaired or reused. The study also found that repairing clothing can save an average of £10 per item, while reselling clothing can save an average of £20 per item. This means that the average UK household could save as much as £320 per year by repairing and reselling old clothing.
Change up your commute
I know, easier said than done - especially on those cold, grey, wet wintery mornings. But. . .the average UK commuter spends upwards of £1,100 a year on transport to work - and that’s before the cost of a second car is factored in. Even just promising to cycle or take the bus once or twice a week to where you work can amount to big financial savings - as well as a massive reduction in CO2e emissions. Challenge yourself - is there another way for you to commute?
Tip Booster: Start small - don’t try and make a huge change all in one go if it’s going to be difficult. Just one or two days a week will make a financial and environmental difference. And also, think of the added fun you can have! While driving requires concentration on the road, a bus or train commute frees you up to watch that TV series you’ve been wanting to watch. . .
By local produce
Buying local food does so much good - it’s often cheaper as less food miles and retailers are involved, fresher and free from plastic wrapping, and many people swear the food tastes better. So why not give it a go in 2024 - most towns and cities have farmers markets, or you’ll find specific farmers shops dotted around the country. Plus, these days it’s incredibly easy to sign up to food box deliveries - and get the local produce direct to your door. Studies suggest buying local not only saves you pounds, but buying local can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 20%.
Tip Booster: Spend some time finding recipes that align with the produce you can get locally - there’s no point buying celeriac unless you are going to cook it - so get ahead of yourself, and enjoy the creativity in the kitchen, while pocketing some bucks in the process!
